Fulton Criminal Defense Lawyer

Fulton Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful for anyone. Trying to figure out the various intricacies of the law and understand how to proceed properly can be confusing and daunting, and you’ll also need to make sure that your constitutional rights are being protected and you’re not being taken advantage of. This is why it is essential to have an experienced Fulton criminal defense lawyer on your side to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we take the time to understand the unique circumstances of your case and meet you wherever you are in the criminal law process. Our experienced trial attorneys have a track record of success securing favorable outcomes for clients throughout Maryland and may even be able to get your criminal charges acquitted or your sentence substantially reduced.

Our team understands just how difficult facing criminal charges can be, whether you have been falsely accused or not. If you’ve been charged with a crime and are in need of trustworthy legal counsel, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Fulton criminal defense lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected.

Crimes That a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Defend

Whether it’s your first time being charged with a crime or you have prior offenses on your criminal record, there are a number of potential felonies and criminal offenses that criminal defense attorneys can help defend on behalf of their clients.

Here are some of the crimes that a Maryland criminal defense lawyer can help defend:

• Violent Crimes: These types of crimes are committed against another person and can include battery, assault, and murder.
• Property Crimes: These crimes are committed against private or public property and can include theft, burglary, and vandalism.
• White-Collar Crimes: These are typically financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.
• Drug Crimes: These are crimes involving illicit drugs and controlled substances, such as drug possession, distribution, and trafficking of illegal drugs.
• Sex Crimes: These crimes include sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, and child sexual abuse.
• DUI/DWI: This severe traffic crime involves driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
• Computer Crimes: These crimes use computers to commit criminal offenses such as hacking, identity theft, and cyberstalking.
• Fraud: Generally a financial crime, fraud can include a wide variety of crimes where perpetrators deceive others for financial gain.
• Racketeering: Commonly known as part of the RICO Act, these crimes are generally committed as part of organized criminal activity, such as bribery and extortion.
• Homicide: This crime involves intentionally ending someone’s life, otherwise known as murder, and also includes manslaughter.

The crimes listed above are only a handful of the offenses that a criminal defense lawyer can help you defend. If you or a loved one has been accused of any felony, it’s paramount to the outcome of their case that you consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so that they can begin building a comprehensive defense strategy immediately.

What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for My Case?

Criminal defense lawyers have several responsibilities, but their primary objective is to ensure that their client’s legal rights are protected while advocating for the most favorable outcome possible. Unfortunately, not all legal representation is equal, so understanding what an experienced criminal lawyer can do for you can make all the difference in the end result of your case.

Here are some of the aspects of a criminal defense case for which a lawyer is responsible:

• Protection of Constitutional Rights: First and foremost, a criminal defense lawyer’s job is to protect the constitutional rights of their client throughout the entire legal process. This includes protecting the defendant’s Fourth Amendment right that safeguards them from unreasonable and unlawful searches and seizures by law enforcement, their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination (illegally inciting a confession), and their Sixth Amendment right to legal counsel.
• Investigation of Charges and Analyzation of Evidence: The objective of conducting a thorough investigation of the charges filed against the defendant and analyzing all available evidence is to uncover any inconsistencies or discrepancies in the prosecution’s case and formulate a winning defense strategy. This includes understanding all relevant documentation, evidence, and statements pertaining to the case.
• Trial Defense: In cases that go to trial, this may be the most impactful stage of the criminal case. At this juncture, the defense team will present their case by making their arguments to the judge or jury, presenting relevant evidence, and questioning or cross-examining available witnesses for testimony. Once the defense case has been presented, they will then deliver their closing statements to the court in an attempt to avoid conviction.
• Plea Bargaining and Sentencing: Whether the case is brought to trial or not, the defense lawyer is responsible for negotiating with the prosecution regarding any potential plea bargains. These are often used to help secure a more favorable deal for the defendant, like reduced charges or more lenient sentencing.

After a plea bargain is struck or the conviction is decided by a judge or jury, the defense lawyer can also attempt to argue for alternative punishments or limited incarceration time.

Criminal defense attorneys are responsible for all of these aspects of a criminal defense case, with the end objective of ensuring that the defendant’s constitutional rights are lawfully upheld and that the defendant receives the optimal outcome provided by the circumstances.

If you have been charged with a crime and need to understand what an experienced criminal defense lawyer can do for you, consult with a reputable Fulton criminal lawyer right away. They can walk you through your options and begin formulating a defense strategy that makes sense for you.

What Should I Do After an Arrest in Maryland?

If you have been accused of criminal wrongdoing and are placed under arrest, it is important to remain calm. If possible, take detailed note of your surroundings and the individuals involved in your arrest. This can help your attorney gather as much evidence as possible when building your defense. If you face arrest in Maryland for a crime, these are the recommended steps you should take:

• Stay Calm: Remain as calm as possible, even if you are feeling anxious or scared. Panicking will not help the situation and could make things worse by causing mistakes or heightening the tension between you and law enforcement officers.
• Know Your Rights: Every single citizen has the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is highly recommended that you exercise these rights as soon as possible. Keep in mind that whatever you decide to say can potentially be used against you by the prosecutor and law enforcement.
• Note the Particulars of Your Arrest: It is critical to keep in mind every aspect of your arrest, starting with the time that law enforcement stopped you. Try to keep a record of the things the officer said to you, your responses, and any other relevant details. Once you get the chance, make a note of these details immediately. This might aid your attorney in finding defenses or mistakes made by the police that would enable you to plead innocent or have the charges dropped.
• Cooperate With the Police: While you have the right to remain silent, it is generally in your interest to cooperate with the police to a certain extent. This includes providing your name and identification, as well as answering basic questions about your identity.
• Do Not Resist Arrest: If the police have a warrant for your arrest or probable cause to arrest you, you should not resist. Resisting arrest can lead to additional charges being filed against you.
• Request to Contact an Attorney Immediately: As soon as you have the opportunity, you should contact a reliable and trusted criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help ensure that your legal rights are protected and advise you on the recommended course of action.
• Follow the Rules: While you are in police custody, it’s highly recommended that you follow all rules and instructions given to you by law enforcement. This includes obeying orders while being booked and held in jail.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Maryland?

A: In Maryland and across the US, the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney can vary substantially based on the overall severity, complexity, and length of a given criminal case. For less serious misdemeanor offenses and traffic violations, the cost can typically be anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500. For more severe and complicated felony offenses, the cost can be anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000.

Q: What Is the Highest Defense Lawyer Salary?

A: The highest defense lawyer’s salary is usually around $175,000. As of 2024, the average criminal defense lawyer salary in the United States is around $102,000. However, the salary range generally falls between $88,000 and $120,000, depending on the lawyer’s overall experience, location, and the types of criminal defense cases they handle.

Q: What Is the Opposite of a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: The opposite of a criminal defense lawyer is called a prosecutor. A prosecutor is a type of lawyer who initiates the prosecution of criminal offenses and presents the case for prosecution in a criminal court proceeding. A prosecutor is responsible for proving the case against the defendant in court and typically works for a state or government organization.

Q: What Is the Legal Definition of a Prosecutor?

A: The legal definition of a prosecutor is a lawyer who initiates the prosecution of criminal offenses and presents the case for prosecution against the defendant in court during a criminal proceeding. In any criminal case, there are two sides: the prosecution and the defense. The prosecution will typically represent the government and is responsible for proving the guilt of the defendant, while the defense is responsible for representing the defendant and challenging the prosecution’s arguments.

Contacting an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, our founding attorney has more than 25 years of experience defending Maryland clients accused of various criminal offenses. Our team believes that every person deserves dedicated and trustworthy legal representation, regardless of their circumstances, and approaches each case with diligence and compassion. Contact us today to request a consultation.